Name, Image and Likeness - NIL

NAME, IMAGE & LIKENESS (NIL) POLICY

THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK – ATHLETICS

PURPOSE

The City College of New York (CCNY) is committed to supporting and educating student-athletes as they pursue Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in full compliance with CCNY, NCAA, CUNYAC policies, and applicable New York State and federal laws. This policy outlines expectations for student-athlete conduct related to NIL, and serves as a resource for the broader campus community, including faculty, staff, alumni, and partners.

WHAT IS NAME, IMAGE & LIKENESS (NIL)?

NIL refers to an individual’s right to publicity — allowing NCAA student-athletes to earn compensation from their name, image, or likeness used for commercial or promotional purposes. Student-athletes may now participate in endorsements, personal branding initiatives, appearances, social media promotions, and other approved business ventures.

WHO DOES THIS POLICY APPLY TO?

This policy applies to all student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at CCNY. These guidelines also extend to prospective high school and transfer student-athletes considering enrollment at CCNY.

WHAT ARE NIL ACTIVITIES?

NIL activities include any commercial or promotional use of a student-athlete’s name, image, likeness, or personal appearance by an entity other than CCNY.
Compensation must reflect fair market value and may not be tied to athletic performance, participation, or recruitment.

NCAA NIL POLICY

The NCAA interim NIL policy includes the following key provisions:

• Student-athletes may participate in NIL activities consistent with state law
• Students in states without NIL laws may still engage in NIL within NCAA rules
• Student-athletes may use professional service providers to support NIL activity
• Student-athletes must report NIL activities as required by their school or conference

Learn more on the NCAA’s official website.

CCNY NIL GUIDELINES

Under New York State law, CUNY policies, and NCAA rules, the following requirements apply to CCNY student-athletes:

• NIL compensation cannot be based on athletics performance or awards
• Compensation must reflect fair market value
• NIL activities may not occur during official team activities (games, practices, meetings, travel, media events, fundraising, etc.)
• Compensation may not be arranged, guaranteed, or influenced by CCNY employees
• Partnerships conflicting with CCNY institutional values or sponsorships are prohibited (e.g., alcohol, vaping/tobacco, sports wagering, adult entertainment, weapons, NCAA-banned substances)
• Use of official CCNY or CCNY Athletics trademarks, logos, uniforms, facilities, or copyrighted assets requires prior written approval from CCNY Marketing & Communications
• Student-athletes may hire representation only for NIL-related services, not for future professional athletic contracts
• NIL compensation from CCNY boosters is allowed only if it is not a recruiting inducement or pay-for-play
• NIL activities may not take place at team events or open-gym environments without approval
• International student-athletes may face visa-related restrictions and must consult CCNY Athletics compliance before participating in any compensated NIL ventures
• NIL compensation may affect financial aid — student-athletes must consult CCNY Financial Aid for guidance
• CCNY Athletics retains the right to restrict or revoke CCNY-branded NIL opportunities if a student-athlete becomes ineligible, transfers, or graduates
• Only official rostered student-athletes in good academic and compliance standing may engage in Athletics-affiliated NIL opportunities

STEPS TO OBTAIN NIL APPROVAL

  1. Be a rostered student-athlete and complete all CCNY Athletics compliance requirements
  2. Review the CUNY NIL Policy and complete the CUNY NIL Reporting Form
  3. Submit required materials to the CUNY Office of General Counsel (OGC) at OGC@cuny.edu
  4. Await approval notification from OGC and CCNY Athletics
  5. Begin NIL activity only after approval is granted

MANDATORY DISCLOSURE

All compensated NIL activities must be disclosed within 14 days to the CCNY Athletics Compliance Office:
Karina Jorge
Assistant Director of Athletics / Compliance / Senior Woman Administrator
kjorge@ccny.cuny.edu

Required details include:

• Name of third-party business/individual
• Business category of third-party
• Type and source of compensation
• Any signed or verbal agreements
• All individuals or partners involved in the activity

Failure to properly disclose NIL activity may result in loss of NCAA eligibility.

NON-COMPLIANCE & SANCTIONS

Violations of this policy — as well as relevant state, federal, NCAA, and CUNY rules — may result in disciplinary action, including NCAA sanctions and loss of eligibility to participate in collegiate athletics.

Failure to properly disclose NIL activity may result in loss of NCAA eligibility.

NIL OPPORTUNITIES AT CCNY

In November 2025, CCNY Athletics announced a new partnership with Influxer, an officially licensed vendor specializing in co-branded apparel customized with student-athlete names and numbers. Through this collaboration, CCNY student-athletes will have access to a personalized Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) merchandise marketplace, designed to enhance their brand visibility and create new entrepreneurial opportunities.

In December 2025, CCNY Athletics announced a partnership with Athlete’s Thread, an officially licensed vendor specializing in co-branded apparel customized with student-athlete names and numbers. Through this initiative, CCNY student-athletes gain access to customizable NIL merchandise options, allowing fans, alumni, and supporters to purchase personalized gear featuring athlete names, numbers, and achievements. Offerings include replica jerseys, sport-specific apparel, special edition pieces celebrating major accomplishments, and more.


OTHER NIL RESOURCES

For more information about NIL: